Confusion breaks out as GOP lawmakers defy virus mandate

TRENTON » Disorder and confusion erupted outside the New Jersey Assembly as several Republican lawmakers defied a new requirement to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative test and were blocked — albeit briefly — by state troopers from entering the ornate chamber Thursday.

Ahead of an expected voting session, at least 10

Republicans strode toward the chamber on the first day the virus requirement was in effect. They were halted at the chamber door by uniformed troopers for about 10 minutes before entering without showing any vaccination proof or a negative test. Troopers stationed at the doorway declined to provide an explanation.

“You have no right to stop us,” Assembly member Erik Peterson said. “You see this? You see this, folks? Denying us entry into our house.”

“This is America,” Assembly member Hal Wirths added. Lawmakers compared the situation to something that might happen in a dictatorship.

A handful of the GOP lawmakers cleared the doorway after Assembly member Brian Bergen asked troopers, “I can go 30 feet that way, 30 feet that way, but not that way?” signaling toward the chamber.

Moments later, some other Assembly members — who had earlier declined to show vaccination cards or a negative test — entered the room unblocked. Troopers stationed at the doorway wouldn’t provide an explanation.

Democratic Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin called it “a colossal failure of security” in a speech from the floor that chastised Republicans, saying that people throughout the state had made similar concessions throughout the pandemic.

“I’m outraged that in the midst of the sacrifice 28 members of the minority caucus could not be bothered to exhibit common decency and humanity all because they would rather have a couple of minutes on TV news,” Coughlin said.

The display unfolded during the first voting session of the lame duck period, the timeframe between November’s election and the start of the new Legislature in

January. It was also the first time lawmakers gathered to vote since the requirement that anyone entering the statehouse complex show a negative COVID-19 test or proof of vaccination was implemented.

Tables with officials checking documents were set up at entrances around the complex, poster boards announcing the new policy stood on easels and state troopers milled around the building as well.